Community Urgent Relief Fund
Community Urgent Relief Fund supports nonprofit and public-service partners providing cash assistance, housing, repairs and case management to help Kalamazoo County residents recover from disasters.
Funder: Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Due Dates: As needed (Applications open) | Weekly (Funding reviews)
Funding Amounts: Award amounts vary; one-time awards
Summary: Supports nonprofit and public-service partners delivering urgent relief and recovery assistance to Kalamazoo County residents affected by disasters and community crises.
Key Information: Individuals and families cannot request or receive funds directly; the tornado-relief criteria allow individuals or groups with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor.
Description
Established in 2008, the Community Urgent Relief Fund (CURF) is Kalamazoo Community Foundation’s fast, flexible resource for emergency relief, recovery and restoration following sudden natural, economic and human-made crises in Kalamazoo County. The foundation coordinates with United Way of South Central Michigan through their Lifeline Alliance, pairing CURF with United Way’s separate Disaster Relief Fund (DRF).
Current relief priorities address households affected by the May 7, 2024 tornadoes. Supported work includes cash assistance, temporary housing, critical home repairs, replacement of essential belongings, and disaster case management or volunteer coordination. The funds complement government assistance and private insurance, with particular attention to uninsured needs, low-income households and residents facing systemic barriers to accessing available resources.
